SUMMARY
The gastroenterology research of Chamil C. Codipilly, M.D., focuses on esophageal diseases, including:
- Barrett esophagus and esophageal cancer.
- Eosinophilic esophagitis.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease.
- Esophageal dysmotility.
- Achalasia — disorder of the esophagus characterized by impaired movement.
Dr. Codipilly's clinically focused research uses artificial intelligence (AI) to aid in diagnosis, therapy and prognostication for people with Barrett esophagus and eosinophilic esophagitis. Another area of investigation focuses on using new endoscopic devices in various motility diseases of the esophagus, such as achalasia. Dr. Codipilly also has published multiple studies on long-term outcomes in Barrett esophagus based on the historical Mayo Clinic experience.
Focus areas
Barrett esophagus and esophageal cancer. Dr. Codipilly has collaborated with AI experts to develop a deep learning model to diagnose dysplasia on Barrett's esophagus histology slides. Dysplasia is associated with an increased risk of esophageal cancer.
He also has published numerous studies on the outcomes of endoscopic management of Barrett esophagus relating to overall and cancer-specific death rate.
- Eosinophilic esophagitis. Dr. Codipilly has worked with collaborators to develop a deep learning segmentation model using eosinophilic esophagitis slides. The model is applied to determine response to proton pump inhibitor therapy at initial diagnosis.
- Achalasia. Dr. Codipilly and colleagues with an interest in esophageal diseases have been collecting data on endoluminal functional imaging planimetry. This measurement is obtained by using a special endoscopic balloon to assess how these values impact therapeutic outcomes in achalasia.
Significance to patient care
Esophageal cancer is a condition with a high death rate, having 5-year survival rates of less than 20%. Dr. Codipilly's research helps identify people with risk factors for esophageal cancer. The goal is to catch those with early-stage disease that may be more responsive to curative therapies. He has studied outcomes in people with Barrett esophagus and esophageal cancer based on various endoscopic treatments to assess the best ways to treat patients with early-stage disease.
Eosinophilic esophagitis results in trouble with swallowing. Treatment can be challenging because it is hard to predict which patients will respond to specific therapies. Dr. Codipilly's AI research in this field may enable faster identification of those therapies that will work best for individual people.
Motility disorders of the esophagus can be difficult to assess and to treat. These also can cause trouble with swallowing as well as chest discomfort. Dr. Codipilly's research into new endoscopic devices may determine how these devices should be used in clinical practice.
Professional highlights
- Digital Innovation Award, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, 2023.
- Hugh Butt Fellowship Award, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, 2022.
- Mayo Brothers Distinguished Fellowship Award, Mayo Clinic, 2021.
- Miles and Shirley Fiterman Award, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, 2021.